<p>I'm considering applying Early Action to UChicago and Georgetown, and was just wondering if Early Action inceases your chance of admittance.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Sometimes EA admits a greater percentage of applicants than RD. It's debatable whether this indicates that EA applicants are given an advantage for applying early, or whether the pool of EA applicants is simply stronger.</p>
<p>Yes, but applying early does show that that school is your #1 choice.</p>
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Yes, but applying early does show that that school is your #1 choice.
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No, it doesn't. That only applies to Early Decision, which is binding. It does not apply to Early Action, which is not binding. I know kids who applied to 6 or 7 schools Early Action; they weren't all the kids' first choice.</p>
<p>In any case, applying EA can't hurt you, so just do it. The application fee is the same, you just need to get on the ball a bit earlier.</p>
<p>it shows commitment to the school</p>
<p>Look at the Early accept % and the RD accept %. That can give you a good idea. I thought that GT's was about the same once upon a time, but I don't know it that is the case anymore. Be aware that that the EA pool is usually stronger than the regular pool as these are kids who feel they don't need another semester of grades, another round of test scores. They are also the kids who tend to be on the ball, and upper socio economically. Often the athletic recruits and legacies are in this group. So if you are one who can use another go with the test and grades and the % accepted EA and RD are close, it may not be a great idea. It can really hurt to be rejected or deferred this early in the game when so many kids are getting there "ayes", and it's not a good way to enter the holiday season either.</p>
<p>The good part of EA is that it often does have a significant advantage for acceptance even given heavier talent in the pool. The college is now open, all seats are empty and the adcoms ar eager to get the class formed so that they have something to build upon. Your app may not be viewed in as much favor after the adcoms have looked at their 1000th essay on the same subject and many other kids that could be your clones. But early on, it is still a bit fresher. Also they can look more carefully at the app, read the essay more slowly since the frenzy has not yet started. You are not compared to those already accepted since you are in the first wave. Also colleges know that they can get a bit better yield with EA kids even when it is not a binding acceptance because kids just hate doing apps and many will say, game over, when they get a satisfactory school offer.If the other apps are not yet done, the prospect of doing them over the holidays is not a bright one. Better to be done with it all, especially if the school is one they like. Also by deferring the kids, the college can give the kids a bad taste, and they just might decide to go elsewhere that was originally second to that school. Sour grapes do exist. Also to the student's advantage, most schools tend to defer, not reject which can give you another chance with admissions. You can maybe get some feedback on your app, and actually get to augment it for a second look and get to visit and express your fervent interest in the school You can't do that with your RD choices. You get one shot at it unless waitlisted. </p>
<p>Having schools accept you EA is a great way to have your safeties I also call it a litmus test of sorts if you have a variety of selectivities EA. If a school you thought was a strong match defers you, you just might want to reconsider your list. YOu also might want a good check up of your app and stats. You can cut the list of those schools that you don't like as much as the EA schools that accepted you as well. You can then go to town on your reaches since you are safely in a school. Sometimes EA gives you an edge and first dibs on the merit awards also. Since you are already in, and you know they want you and it will affect their yield if you don't accept them, you do have some leverage and time to discuss issues like financial aid and merit money with the school. You can get a preview of your aid package. You can speak more freely, ask more questions because the school is now courting you, not the other way around and YOU have options.</p>